Third Year LLB Student, Hira Khan recently took part in the Justice Week 2022 Intervarsity Debate organised by the Bar of Ireland. This debate hosted students from eight participating universities. Hira formed the proposition alongside students from Trinity, TUD and UCC. The debate was judged by a panel of esteemed guests including Mark de Blacam SC (Member of the Inner Bar) Dr Tom Clonan (Columnist and Security Analyst), Maura McNally SC (Chair of the Council of The Bar of Ireland) and Ms. Justice Nuala Butler (Judge of the High Court).
The motion for the debate provided that “This House believes that international human rights law and international humanitarian law provide adequate protections in respect of the use of autonomous weapons and systems in warfare.” Hira was delighted to use knowledge retained in her second year International Law and her Law and Technology modules. Hira was also kindly supported by Dr David Cowan, who helped her and her team prepare for the debate in an area that he is well versed in. Dr Cowan also cheered Hira along in the audience at the debate.
On the participation in the debate, Hira has provided that she “ was delighted to represent the School of Law and Criminology in the debate, particularly as it was in person”.